COLLECTOR’S EDITION

Indeed, his works are rare—and valuable. Van der Straeten’s limited edition pieces regularly sell for six figures (we’re talking US dollars), and, like works of art, are increasingly sought after on the secondary market. “Over the past few years, pieces of my furniture have started to be presented at auction by private collectors. Anything good does not lose its value over time,” he says. Does he consider himself an artist or a designer? “I do not think there is a hierarchy between the two. A designer creates objects which have a function. This is what I do, so I am perfectly happy to be a designer.” He may